Kenya calls international community to help southern Sudan

Nov 8, 2005 (NAIROBI) — President Mwai Kibaki has appealed to the international community to assist the government of southern Sudan establish itself and be in a position to provide services to its people.

Speaking during a meeting with US deputy secretary of state, Robert Zoellick, who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi, today, President Kibaki said Kenya will continue supporting southern Sudan in its reconstruction efforts.

“There are serious challenges still facing the government of southern Sudan and we should all assist with resources to make the people of southern Sudan feel the achievement of the peace accord,” President Kibaki said, in a press statement published by the Kenyan State House governmental website.

Kibaki welcomed the selection of Kenya and Norway to co-chair the Assessment and Evaluation Commission established to evaluate the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan that was signed last year.

He noted that peace in Sudan and Somalia would stimulate economic development for the benefit of the people of the region.

On his part, the US deputy secretary of state commended Kenya for playing a leading role in the Sudan and Somali peace processes.

(ST)